Tennis: International feel to club's court

SNAZZY COURT: Club president Garry Collins (left) and club captain Antony Steiner check out the new surface. PHOTO/Warren Buckland

It's not exactly centre court but outdoor racquet-ball enthusiasts in Hawke's Bay can have a feel of the Australian International Open in Melbourne without booking a flight there to experience it.

That's because the Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is opening its new tennis court tomorrow in what is touted to be "a first" in the province and only one of 20 in the country.

"After more than four years of work to plan and finance the building of this court, it is very gratifying to see it come to fruition," says club president Garry Collins.

"This is a court for all our members to enjoy, not just elite competitive players," says Collins, revealing they have been the victim of their own success in recent years.

The constant use had worn out the court's previous artificial grass surface.

"But instead of simply replacing like for like, we have opted for an internationally-rated surface, the first of its kind in Hawke's Bay." The celebrations start at 4pm tomorrow when "two special players" from either end of the membership age spectrum will be invited to participate in an hour-long "hit-a-thon".

They are long-time patron Gerda Hollis and 9-year-old Elijah Froeudenberg.

Work on the court began in April with the excavation and the laying of a concrete foundation. In the past month, a multi-layer rubber and acrylic coating have been applied to it as finishing touches.

Funds to pay for the project came from club reserves, an interest-free loan from a member and grants from the Harold Holt Trust, Endeavour Trust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, Infinity Foundation, Pub Charities, and the Southern Trust.